by Nicki Night
“Lee!” Nixon called out.
“What’s up, Nix?” The two embraced in a warm but masculine manner, ending with a strong pat on the back. “How did we do?”
Nixon looked at him as if his question was ridiculous. “Great! What do you think?”
“Good.”
“I want you and the band to meet Jade. She’s a friend of mine.” Nixon presented her proudly.
“Hi! It’s very nice to meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you, too. I’m glad you could come and I hope you enjoyed the show.”
“Oh, I enjoyed it!”
“Good.” Lee took her to meet the rest of the band.
They chatted for a while before Nixon and Jade made their exit. He walked her to the parking garage and then waited with her while the valet retrieved her car. Nixon tipped the attendant for her.
“Let me take you to your vehicle,” Jade offered. This was her way of getting a little more time with Nixon.
“Sure.” He rounded the front of the car and hopped in the passenger side.
They said little as he directed her to where he’d parked. Though few words passed between them, the small space in the car was filled with so much more. The air crackled around them. The usual sizzle of their close proximity had become electrified. Sensual tension thickened the interior, warming Jade without any added heat from the vents.
By the time Jade pulled up beside his car, she knew she didn’t want him to leave. For several moments neither of them moved. She cleared her throat. He cleared his.
“I had a great time. Thanks again for inviting me.” She awkwardly pushed her words into the quiet.
“I’m glad you decided to come.”
Jade focused on the tiny raindrops now falling on her windshield. “Me, too.”
Again silence blanketed the interior of the car.
“Nixon.”
“Jade.”
They spoke each other’s name at the same time. Both chuckled. Jade wanted to tell him they probably shouldn’t continue hanging together, but didn’t want to hear those words come from her mouth. They were approaching a slick slope. She could feel herself sliding right into his arms—perhaps even his bed.
Jade turned to face him. “I—” she started, but before she could say another word, his lips covered hers with warm deliciousness, swallowing her oncoming verbal protest.
She didn’t resist at all. Jade had already imagined what those perfect lips would feel like. The real thing was way better than what she’d experienced in her daydreams.
Chapter 13
The passing days hadn’t diminished the deliciousness of Jade’s mouth on Nixon’s. Visions of them dancing at the lounge and the feeling from that kiss in her car invaded his thoughts and lingered on his lips. He could still feel the moist softness. Traces of heat had consumed him the second their lips had connected. Their first kiss was cordial, as if they were carefully exploring new ground without disturbing the landscape. It left both of them breathless. The next kiss was deeper—greedier. They’d grappled with one another for more. More followed. More wasn’t enough. Shielded by fogged windows, they’d stayed in the running car, trying to fill an insatiable well with the taste of each other.
Jade had not only filled his mind, but crept into his dreams. One was so erotic that Nixon woke up firm and grinning. What had she done to him? This was a first for Nixon. He questioned and liked it at the same time.
It was time for a real date. No more offers to casually “hang out.” Their attraction for one another was clear. Undeniable—dangerously flammable. Nixon wasn’t one to beat around the bush. And he wanted that date to be tonight. He couldn’t wait another week.
Nixon thought another moment. He couldn’t compromise her reputation in the program. Keeping his attraction at bay in session was key. A low profile was a must. Since they began spending time together, she avoided him in class even more. Avoidance became a game. Sometimes they’d pass slick, knowing smirks across the room. Nixon was fine with that, as long as he’d be able to make her his outside of their professional arena.
He needed to explore this thing he was feeling. Since Jade showed up in his life, he hadn’t even thought about the other women he’d been seeing here and there, and didn’t miss them when they didn’t initiate a text or a call.
Nixon shifted his mind to his mother. He tapped his way through his phone icons until he arrived at her number, next to the name Queen.
“How’s my favorite lady?”
“I’m glad I’m still your favorite!”
“You’ll always be my favorite. What’s up?”
“Work.” His mother sighed.
“What’s wrong, Ma?”
“Nothing,” she said quickly, as if she’d been caught off guard. “Nothing’s wrong, baby boy.” She was Queen and he was Baby Boy. It didn’t matter that he was a few years shy of thirty. Somehow he knew that even at a half century, he would still be her baby boy.
“It doesn’t sound like nothing is wrong.”
“How’s work?”
“Fine. I have my class for the leadership program today.”
“So you don’t have to go into the office?”
“No. The class is a full-day session.”
“Oh.” She said nothing more for several moments. “Okay. I don’t want to keep you and I do have to get to work. You’re coming this weekend?”
“Wasn’t planning on it, but I’ll come on Sunday.”
“That would be nice. I haven’t had the pleasure of setting my eyes on your handsome face in a few weeks. I thought you’d forgotten about your mother. I’ll make you some mac and cheese. Sound good?”
Nixon’s brows rose and his mouth watered. “I could never forget about my beautiful mother or her mac and cheese. I’ll definitely be there.”
She chuckled. “Okay, see you Sunday. What time?”
“How about two o’clock?”
“Yay! Make it three. That way the mac and cheese will be piping hot. I’ll make it fresh when I get out of service.”
“That sounds perfect.”
“Okay, baby boy. I need to get to work.”
Nixon said goodbye, but several moments passed before she actually closed the connection. Nixon always waited for her to hang up first, to avoid ending the call before she was finished speaking. She usually had several “one-more-things” to express, and he never wanted to make the mistake of hanging up on her.
His mother’s voice always held a cheerful air. Today, it sounded heavy. Something was troubling her. She never held back much from him, so he knew he’d find out soon. He’d make it a point to call her again after lunch. Right now he needed to get out the door in the next few minutes, if he was going to make it to his session on time.
Nixon’s mind returned to Jade and warmth pooled in his groin. Standing in front of his full-length mirror, he assessed his attire. He’d taken special care, as he usually did on days when he knew he was going to see Jade. Today he wore his favorite navy blue suit, without a tie, and a crisp white shirt. He looked professional, though the suit was the most comfortable in his wardrobe.
Nixon’s phone vibrated. The sound was muffled. He looked around, wondering where he’d left it, and spotted it among the ruffled covers on his bed. He quickly closed the space between the mirror and the bed. His mother could be calling back. Nixon grabbed the phone and swiped the screen before the ringtone stopped.
“Hello.” He hadn’t really paid attention to who was calling.
“Uh. Yeah. How are you doing, son?”
Nixon always tried not to flinch when his father called him son. “How can I help you, sir?” His tone was cordial. Tight.
“So formal? Heh.” His father’s chuckle was awkward. Nixon didn’t bother to respond. No response was better than saying any of the words that swirled in h
is head. He wasn’t fond of his old man, but disrespecting him would upset his mother. “I’d like to talk to you.”
“About what?”
“Are you going by your mother’s house this weekend?”
Nixon wondered if his mother had just told him that he was coming by. “Yes.” He almost lied.
“Yeah. Okay. Good. I’ll try to see you then.”
Nixon snorted sarcastically. His father’s “tries” had failed since he was a child. “Sure.”
“Okay, son.”
Nixon heaved a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Dad,” he replied, with a dry curtness.
“Hope your day goes well.”
“Thanks.” Nixon ended the call and closed his eyes, wanting to go back to the way he’d felt before his father’s call.
Squeezing his eyes tighter, he conjured up an image of Jade, then opened his eyes and sighed.
Once he was in his car, he tapped the buttons until his radio erupted with laughter from Nixon’s favorite comedy station. He needed laughter. Those jokes accompanied him all the way to the university where their sessions were held. Each joke eased his stiff shoulders a little more. Nixon hadn’t realized how tightly set his jaw had become after speaking with his father. He realized it as he listened to the comedians. Laughter loosened that and his rigid back.
Walking into the conference room and seeing Jade’s shapely frame from behind washed away the rest of his angst. What kind of woman could change a man’s mood the instant he laid eyes on her?
“Good morning.” Nixon greeted the members of his cohort as he headed toward his seat. After resting his binder on the table, he headed toward the coffeemaker, once Jade had filled her cup and moved away. For a brief second their eyes locked. He responded to Jade’s slight smile with a discreet wink. She playfully rolled her eyes and made her way to her seat. Nixon tried to take his eyes off her, but couldn’t. He’d watched her a bit too long. If that continued, someone was bound to notice.
“I guess I’d have to admit she does look nice in that outfit.”
Nixon whipped around to find Julia standing close enough for him to feel the current of her static cling. “Good morning, Julia.” He hoped she hadn’t caught the wink.
“Good morning, Nixon,” she sang, twisting her body seductively.
Cleavage bubbled out of the center of her low-cut shirt. Careful not to appear inappropriate, Nixon averted his eyes, but apparently not quickly enough. Julia lifted her ample bosom to offer a better view and giggled.
Nixon headed for the coffee. Julia followed. Again, she stood so close that he bumped her arm as he tried to pour a cup.
“Is she your type?”
Nixon smiled.
“What is your type, Nixon Gaines?”
Nixon thought for a moment. “The female kind.”
Julia parked her hands on her hips and twisted her lips. “That was a cop-out.”
Nixon grinned, tossed the stir stick in the garbage and headed back to his seat. He kept his eyes on the opposite side of the room to keep them from getting stuck on Jade again. Julia’s comment about Jade looking nice in her outfit was a gross understatement. Nixon had never seen professional attire look so sexy on a woman before. Jade’s skirt careened past her perfect curves and stopped just below her knees. It fitted as snugly as a mummy’s bandages, but didn’t appear inappropriate. The ruffles on her matching blue shirt gave her look a sweet feminine appeal. She had the air of a woman who knew how to handle business, while having the ability to snatch a man’s breath at will. Her hair was pulled into her signature bun at the crown of her head. A few strands hung loosely, rebelling against its polished attempt, adding even more to her feminine appeal.
Between Jade’s beauty taunting him and Julia’s overbearing attention, it felt like they were the only three people in the room, until the facilitator greeted them collectively, calling everyone to order.
“Good morning!” The group responded in unison, before diving into the topic for the day and reviewing the status of each team’s project.
The afternoon went by as fast as the morning. Nixon realized he hadn’t asked Jade about her availability that night until minutes before the session ended for the day. He pulled out his phone, lowered it to his lap and texted about her plans for that evening.
He decided to have a little fun. His next text read: You’re a great kisser.
Nixon watched Jade pick up her phone and discreetly read the text. A small smile creased her lips. He cleared his throat—his signal that he saw her smile.
Ha! Now? In the middle of class? she responded.
Trying to make up for the bad 1-liners from the other day.
Jade seemed to struggle to keep her grin behind tight lips. She texted three laughing emojis with streaming tears.
Nixon tapped out his next text: I want to take you out on a date. A real one.
She stretched her eyes wide.
Tonight, he added.
Her eyes widened even more.
Did you like the kiss? He was teasing her now.
Jade looked toward the ceiling. He watched her. Julia watched him.
Will you go out with me, Jade? Yes or no? Nixon added the checkmark emoji.
A small laugh escaped Jade’s lips. Several eyes around the room landed on her. She coughed without looking up.
Okay. Yes, she finally responded.
Nixon texted five male dancing emojis. Be ready at 8.
Chapter 14
Nixon couldn’t leave their class fast enough. He had a date to plan and a beautiful woman to impress. The second they were dismissed, both he and Jade departed with a general goodbye to the group and went their separate ways.
“Nixon!”
He had almost made it to his car when he heard Julia call his name. He paused before turning around and smiled. “Hey, Julia. What’s up?” He hoped to come across friendly.
She jogged the rest of the way to him with her coat open despite the fall chill in the air. Her nipples pebbled against her silky shirt. Nixon tried not to, but couldn’t help noticing her ample breasts bouncing and jiggling with each step. He turned slightly and jiggled his keys in his hand.
“Whew.” Julia was out of breath. She touched his arm. “Want to grab a drink?”
“Thanks, Julia. That would have been nice but I have a commitment.”
“Oh.” Her shoulders fell. “Maybe another time.” She sounded hopeful.
Nixon sighed inwardly. He had to make himself clear. Julia was a pretty woman—curvy and feminine. Sexy even. But Jade held his interest. He knew women well and his honesty could garner two responses: acceptance or bitterness. He thought about saying that he didn’t mix business with pleasure, but that would be a bold-faced lie, especially when he was rushing home to prepare for a date with Jade.
“We should all go out for drinks the next time we get together to work on our project.” He hoped she’d get his friendly drift.
“Oh. I was thinking just you and I.”
“Julia...” He paused, carefully lining up the words in his head. “I just started seeing someone.”
“Oh! Um. That’s cool. It was just a friendly gesture. No problem. I guess I’ll see you next week. Have a good weekend, Nixon.” Julia paused between each sentence as if she had to think about what to say next. She turned and made a hasty exit.
Nixon didn’t want to hurt her feelings, but had to let her know he wasn’t interested. If Jade wasn’t in this program, Julia would have stood a chance. But Jade... Just thinking her name made him aware of his own pulse.
Nixon made it home in no time. He set his phone to an R & B playlist and made a sandwich to ward off his hunger before dinner. The day had gone by without him making concrete plans for his date with Jade. She was a Chandler. How could he take a woman who presumably had everything on an impressive date? N
ixon lowered the music and picked up his cell phone. His friend answered after three rings.
“What up, Nix?”
“It’s all good, Jay!”
If anyone could give him a great idea about impressing women, it was his frat brother Jay. Romance wasn’t Nixon’s problem. He needed Jay’s creative mind to help him think up a unique experience. A nice dinner wasn’t going to cut it with Jade.
“Help me out, bro. I met a woman.”
“Whoa! She must be special.”
Nixon thought about the air when she was around. “Yes. She is. We’ve hung out a few times, but not like an official date or anything. That’s tonight and I need some ideas.”
“On Long Island or you’re bringing her to the city?”
“Not sure yet.”
“Okay. There’s a great restaurant on—”
Nixon stopped Jay before he could finish. “That won’t do. She’s a Chandler, as in Chandler Foods.”
Jay whistled. “How’d you manage that?”
“I can explain later. But think about how to impress a girl who probably has everything.”
“That’s easy.”
Nixon twisted his lips. “Easy?”
“Expense won’t mean anything to her, but experiences will. What’s her personality like? Think of what she likes and use that as your starting point.”
Jay had a point. His advice stirred a few thoughts as Nixon quietly gnawed on his bottom lip. “I got it!”
“What are you thinking about?”
“Music. She loves music. A big Nina Simone fan. Old-school music. I’ve got it. Thanks, man.”
“Let me know how it goes.”
“Will do. Talk to you later, man.”
“And, Nix? Stop by the next time you come back up.”
“For sure. Later.”
Nixon had his idea. He wouldn’t impress her with fancy meals, but he could certainly appeal to what tickled her fancy. Nixon got dressed, sprayed on a few squirts of cologne and texted Jade for her address.
Within twenty minutes, Nixon pulled off the Northern Parkway. A few lefts and rights later he landed on a dim winding road flanked by lush greenery. In the year that he’d been on Long Island, he hadn’t seen this part of the region. Unlike his home and the others he’d rented out, these grand homes were set far from the side of the road, sitting proudly on hills or hidden behind a quarter mile or so of bushes and fences.